41st Street strip mall getting fresh look

April 6, 2018

A significant renovation will start soon at the Gilrich Mall I, a more than 30-year-old strip mall on 41st Street east of Grange Avenue.

The exterior will be redone with stone and metal siding similar to the nearby Gilrich Village, new windows and doors, and new signs for tenants.

“The tenants really liked the upgrades at Gilrich Village – I still have people tell me how nice the mall looks now that we updated the exterior,” co-owner Kent Cutler said, adding the tenants at Gilrich Mall I are excited for their new look.

“The mall is quite dated at this time.”

Gregg’s Substation was the first tenant in Gilrich Mall I when it opened, owner Connie Zuraff said. It was the second location for Gregg’s.

Rich Cutler approached then-owner Gregg Forsaith and asked if he wanted to open another site. “Back then, 41st Street was starting to pick up with all the different businesses,” Zuraff said.

While the downtown restaurant closed years ago, 41st Street is a “very good location,” she said. “We like being right here. We have very good, loyal customers. We draw from all over.”

Gregg’s eventually expanded in the retail center, adding a video lottery casino. Zuraff is looking forward to the renovations.

“I was really excited when they said they were doing the outside. … It will be very nice to get things all modernized. It needs it.”

She’s planning to do some updating inside, installing new flooring.

“We’re trying to keep our end looking nice too.”

Other tenants include Red Wing Shoes, which also is an original tenant, Fat Boy Tobacco, Greens & Spices, Look at Me Children’s Consignment and Tasteas tea and smoothie shop. Original tenant Old Home Bakery recently closed.

“Our hope is the fresh, modern look will help drive occupancy,” Cutler said.

Gilrich Mall II also is getting a fresh coat of paint, so the whole stretch of retail centers should looked fresh, he said.

Each of the strip centers has vacancies.

“This is the time of year leasing activity generally is at its best,” Cutler said. “Time will tell, as I would describe retail as a bit soft at this time, as you’ve seen with some of the national retailers who have declared bankruptcy and closed their doors.”

Work on Gilrich Mall I is expected to start soon and last a few months. RSArchitects is the architect, and Gil Haugan Construction is the contractor. Stores will remain open throughout construction.

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41st Street strip mall getting fresh look

A significant renovation will start soon at the Gilrich Mall I, a more than 30-year-old strip mall on 41st Street east of Grange Avenue.

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